The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority has removed recently installed artwork, created by a local artist, at Memphis International Airport.

The airport authority stated that the artwork generated “a lot of” negative feedback from Elvis fans. The self-portrait shows photographer Tommy Kha dressed as Elvis.

The airport authority also stated that “a small number of comments” included “language that referred to Mr. Kha’s race.”

Kha is Asian American.

The statement followed social media posts from Kha in which he revealed that his photograph, which was recently hanging in the modernized B concourse, had been removed.

“Apologies to those who wished to see this piece: it is no longer on display,” Kha wrote on Twitter Monday, March 21. “After some disturbing complaints about my work, it was decided, and without my knowledge, the pictures were removed. I’m the only artist they have removed.”

On Instagram, Kha wrote: “I’m quite disappointed as it was one of many artworks selected to hang in the new concourse — an honor that connected me to the place where I grew up (having grown up in Whitehaven, minutes away from Graceland), and the opportunity gave me hope that artists like myself could be represented.” 

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Scott Brockman, CEO and president of the airport authority, released a statement regarding Kha’s art removal. The statement in full is below:

“Recently, the Airport Authority has received a lot of negative feedback from Elvis fans about one of the art pieces that was purchased and installed in our recently modernized concourse. When the airport created its art program, our goal was to purchase and display artwork that did not include public figures or celebrities.

“Our selection committee made an exception in the case of Tommy Kha’s piece and recommended its purchase. This was the only piece in the art collection that depicted a celebrity or public figure. While we understand that the artist created the piece as a tribute to Elvis, the public reaction has been strong, leading us to revisit that original goal of avoiding the depiction of public figures in our art collection. As a result, the airport determined it was best to temporarily remove the piece while we determine our best path forward.

“We are open to the possibility of commissioning new artwork by Tommy Kha to replace his previous piece.

“Among the complaints, there were a small number of comments that included language that referred to Mr. Kha’s race, and such comments are completely unacceptable. The Airport Authority does not support those comments nor does it form the basis for the Authority’s decision regarding the piece. MSCAA has been very intentional to emphasize local artists, diversity and inclusion with this art program, and we will continue to do so.”

The UrbanArt Commission, which had been tasked with finding locations, reviewing art submissions, commissioning work and coordinating the installation of the B concourse art, posted a statement to its social media, in response to the removal of Kha’s photo.

Its statement read: “UAC respects and appreciates Tommy Kha and his art, and was pleased to recommend him to be included in the Memphis International Airport collection. Tommy grew up in Whitehaven, has spent years doing documentary work around Elvis tribute artists/impersonators, and considers himself a part of that community.”

The statement goes on to read that the organization worked with the airport authority and selection committee to curate an art program that “speaks to a diverse and authentic creative community representative of Memphis.”

UrbanArt wrote that Kha’s artwork was originally approved by and is owned by the airport authority for display on its property.

“We are opposed to Tommy Kha’s installation being removed from display, especially considering the openly racist comments made online in the development of this situation,” the statement reads. “Airport leadership has chosen to remove an artwork from a Memphis artist, for reasons that we adamantly disagree with. UAC is in contact with the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority and advocates for the artwork to be reinstalled.”

Kha also received support from Memphis creatives who shared his post.

Interior designer and HGTV host Carmeon Hamilton wrote: “Considering my love for this city and my love of supporting artists, this is beyond disappointing.”

The Daily Memphian has reached out to Kha for additional comment.

On his social media accounts Tuesday, March 22, Kha said he would not be doing a recommission and would instead rather see another artist’s or artists’ work exhibited. 

“If I were to do this, it would be the THIRD time my work being changed,” he wrote. “Let me be clear: What I originally submitted, was changed to the (now) removed works. I’ve voiced my concerns and originally declined moving forward after the original submission was rejected. This was a year process. I literally tried to avoid being in this situation. So I ask, what is beneficial for artists now? Transparency?”

The issue also came up during Tuesday’s Memphis City Council meeting, during the appointment of a new airport authority member.

“I was perplexed because I think art is an evocative thing. … It is supposed to create discussion,” said Councilman Chase Carlisle. “I’m just really saddened.”

He continued, “It’s one thing to dislike a piece of art. But to make racial epithets for a piece of artwork and have it removed is really disheartening. ... Artwork is supposed to give a response and an emotion. Even if you didn’t like it. That’s kind of the point of art.”

Reporters Jasmine McCraven and Bill Dries contributed to this story.